GAS-TESS launch heats up energy storage innovation

Gas has begun flowing from South Australia Water’s Glenelg Wastewater Treatment Plant, the first commercial pilot site that utilises a unique, patented thermal energy storage system (TESS) powered by biogas.

South Australian Minister for Energy and Mining, Dan van Holst Pellekaan, launched GAS-TESS, developed by 1414 Degrees, by releasing the biogas from the wastewater digestors.

Executive Chairman of 1414 Degrees, Dr Kevin Moriarty, said “This marks a pivotal phase in the commissioning process, firing the burners for the first time and heating up the thermal energy store. Importantly, we will pay for the biogas we use and sell electricity at market prices to test the revenue model.”

GAS-TESS will enable SA Water to time-shift the use of its biogas to produce electricity and heat on demand, rather than use the biogas as its generated.

SA Water’s CEO, Roch Cheroux, said, “SA Water is working to reduce operational expenses to maintain low and stable water prices for our customers.

“Time shifting of heat and electricity output from the GAS-TESS is expected to provide more control over heat flows to maximise our biogas generation and result in reduced costs of our energy requirements.”

“Partnering with us to pilot this world first technology demonstrates visionary leadership for SA,” Dr Moriarty said.

Globally, biogas is an increasingly important source of energy, from wastewater management to agri-business and landfill gas.

Dr Moriarty said, “Renewables are about more than wind and solar. It’s time to put our vast sources of biogas to more efficient and sustainable use. Naturally occurring biogas has the potential to lower the cost and increase the stability of energy with reduced demand on fossil fuels.”

GAS-TESS is co-funded by the South Australian Government’s Renewable Technology Fund (RTF) and 1414 Degrees shareholders.

The development of the technology was assisted with a grant from the Federal Government’s Department of Industry, Innovation and Science.

Mr van Holst Pellekaan, said “1414 Degrees’ TESS is the result of collaboration within our state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, leading to global opportunities for SA.

“This new thinking is solving problems and creating opportunities as we transition to a new energy environment. It will take innovative companies like 1414 Degrees to ensure energy security.”